Today did some work on gas lines, which meant WH had to be lit again. Noticed some heavy flaking off on bottom of tank, which tells me it's time for a new heater while I can replace it on my schedule. Current heater is a 6 year model from Lowes, which was installed in 1998. This means it has provided dependable hot water for the last 25 years. Not bad for a 6 year rated WH. Hope the next one lasts that long, which I won't. New one costs about twice what we paid for old one.